Whose Nuts? Virginia City to celebrate 25th Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry festival Saturday
For more than two decades, the historic mining town of Virginia City, Nev. has gone nuts over St. Patrick's Day weekends. Literally. The Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, known around these parts as the Comstock's own testicle festival, is a play on words.
While named oysters, the Rocky Mountain variety are bull or sheep testicles, cooked up and dished out to hungry revelers and foodies who appreciate the experience and flavor of the little round delicacies. On Saturday, March 12, Cooks from around the region put their gourmet skills to the test in an effort to woo the judges and attendees.
Other highlights include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Ball Breaker Saloon Crawl with attendees getting into the spirit and dressed in their finest green garb.
“We encourage folks to come have a ball, get dressed up, enjoy the festivities and check out our local merchants, restaurants and saloons,” Deny Dotson, tourism director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “The local shops all participate with their own fun specials and decor so it really is a town-wide celebration.”
More than 20 cooks from around the region compete in the event, serving up fried, chopped, grilled or sautéed steer testicles for a variety of flavorful combinations. Cooks compete for Best Overall Taste, Best Presentation, Best Booth, Most Creative Dish and Best Team Name, as well as bragging rights as the best Rocky Mountain Oyster Cook in the West.
Tasting tickets start at $5 for three samples or 10 samples for $12. Advance tasting tickets are available online. A costume contest and live Irish music enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
The Ball Breaker Saloon Crawl, presented by Virginia City’s Cemetery Gin, takes place at Virginia City’s various saloons offering samples and discounted beer and specialty drinks throughout the day. Purchase a cup for $20 in advance online or $25 at the event.
The Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry is sponsored by New West Distributing and Dolan Automotive Group.
For more information on Virginia City, Nevada, or the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry visit VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at 775-847-7500.
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